“We are on a journey of sorts – to determine if the offering plate, passed around during worship, is relevant…instead of using “con”– which from Latin is literally “against” – those of you who wrote are arguing that passing the physical offering plate is not really relevant.

Goodness gracious. Y’all had some feelings about the offering plate…This week, let’s hear from the proponents of the offering plate

There’s a raging debate going on in my church: Pass the offering plate or not? Actually, there’s nothing raging about it. Any time there’s disagreement in the church, it has the capacity to go from “loving conversation” to “raging debate” in about ten minutes.

Boomers and the Greatest Generation are more often motivated to give out of a sense of loyalty. They have a profound respect for and love of institutions like the church. For Millennials, that’s not enough. They want to give to an organization or congregation that they believe is changing the world and matches with their values.

It seems that everyone in the United States is focused on personal happiness. We want our children to be happy. We want to be happy. We want to be #1 in happiness (sorry folks, that distinction belongs to Finland; we’re #15). It’s a measure of our success.

But what if happiness is the wrong thing to strive for?

If you’re lucky, you’ll have one person on your Finance team who will ask hard questions...That person may help you avert disaster. This is a person who can help you and your congregation be sure your feet are planted on firm ground.

Obviously only you, your business administrators and your Generosity Team can determine if Venmo is right for you and your ministry context. As someone who has used Venmo, it is an easy and quick way to help pay for a creature in need (human or otherwise). It just may be a great way for you to reach a younger demographic too.

Spreadsheets tell stories.
In words, I let our leadership know how our income is doing. Any time I can, I highlight the generosity of our congregation.

If you haven’t recently recognized the power of music in worship, it’s time to do so. Through the many ways we are inspired by it – classical, contemporary, rock, rap, jazz – music has the power to transform and heal and help us through our grief.

“Your website should be a sincere reflection of who you are – even at its most basic. Not everyone needs bells and whistles. Isn't that a relief?”